Optoelectrodes

NeuroNexus optoelectrodes enable concurrent optogenetic stimulation and high-resolution electrophysiology.

  • A powerful tool – Optical fibers are laminated onto silicon probes to create an optoelectrode. Utilize a single fiber, or configure multiple fibers on a single probe (one fiber per electrode shank) to activate different opsins or target different brain areas.
  • Options, options – Utilize any electrode array design and select from multiple fiber types (and specify their termination locations on each shank) to create your ideal optoelectrode.
  • Minimal tissue damage – Our smallest fiber option measures just 65 µm (outer diameter), for minimal impact on brain tissue.
  • Controlled artifact – NeuroNexus optoelectrodes are engineered for minimal photoelectric artifacts.

Optogenix Tapered Fibers can also be specified for a NeuroNexus optoelectrode:

  • Optogenix tapered fibers are designed to illuminate large volumes of tissue in a more homogeneous way than standard optical fibers.
  • Gain stimulation efficiency, with less tissue damage.
  • Sub-sample your target region – without probe movement – by using an Optogenix Launching System

Specifications (Flat Fiber)

Fiber (Core Diameter) Fused silica, 50 µm (etched), 105 µm, or 200 µm core, multi-mode
Outer Diameter 65 µm (etched), 125 µm (105 µm core), or 225 µm (200 µm core)
Weight (Coupler) < 0.5 g
Numerical Aperture 0.22
Durability < 5% transmission variability after 40 connections
Rotation Test < 2% variation over 1 rotation
Connection Strength > 300 g before latch separation (typical)
Max. Shear Force 900 g (applied to top of female coupler)
Length Tolerance ± 500 µm
Fiber Tip Profile Flat
Note Internal reference site is disconnected as standard. Certain designs may allow ref. site connection; contact us for specifics.

NeuroNexus Optoelectrodes use packages similar to our Standard probes. We recommend the OA series for acute experiments, and the OCM (Omnetics Nano) and OZ (TDT Zif Clip™) series for chronic experiments.

Tetrodes for Optogenetics are also available.

Specifications (Tapered Fiber)

Numerical Aperture 0.22 0.39 0.66
Fiber (Core Diameter) 105 µm 200 µm 200 µm
Outer Diameter 125 µm 225 µm 230 µm
Emitting Length (5% tolerance) 0.7 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.2 mm 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm

Ordering Information

Single-Fiber

Most Standard or 4-channel microelectrode arrays can be configured as an Optoelectrode. An optical fiber is placed on the recording side of the shank, and terminates at your desired location above the proximal recording site, to 50 µm accuracy. Multi-shank microelectrode arrays can be configured as optoelectrodes, but have limitations on fiber placement. Contact us for more information.

Multi-Fiber

Up to 8 fibers per probe (one fiber per shank) can be configured. Because of the physical limitations of optical fibers and NeuroNexus microelectrode arrays, there are some design constraints.

Documentation

MAPPING

Optoelectrode maps are identical to the non-Optoelectrode versions of the same probe. (For example, the maps for OA32 and A32 probes are the same.)

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